The best way to protect your right to vote is to cast a ballot

By Christina Sanders and Judith Browne Dianis

Updated 7:38 pm, Thursday, November 1, 2012

In the weeks leading up to the election, like clockwork, we're seeing last-minute voter intimidation tactics and deceptive practices. In September - just six weeks before Election Day - Harris County officials sent letters to 9,000 voters suspected of being inappropriately on the voter rolls. Recipients were told that their voter registration would be canceled unless they proved that they were not deceased. African-American voters were especially targeted with these odd "Are you dead?" letters, and many recipients have confirmed that they are very much alive.

As history has shown, when politicians make lists of voters to purge this close to an election, it invariably leads to errors, with longtime voters being erroneously targeted and denied their right to vote. Too often, such lists are used as tools to prevent certain citizens from having their say at the voting booth. In this case, it's telling that the only African-American on the Harris County Commissioners Court asked for the Department of Justice to look into this suspicious matter.

There is likely to be even more dubious questioning of voter eligibility on Election Day. Groups of private citizens are organizing to aggressively challenge people's eligibility at the polls, and an unprecedented level of voter challenges is expected. The tea party-affiliated organization True the Vote has pledged to train and deploy 1 million poll watchers and challengers throughout the country. While there are proper ways to police polling places, that work should be in the hands of professional election officials, not untrained, politically motivated individuals with their own agendas. Left in their hands, aggressive challenges often give way to abuse, harassment and unfounded accusations.

Everyone can agree that ineligible voters should not be allowed to vote. But tactics that could prevent eligible citizens from voting - whether by threatening to kick thousands of eligible voters off the voter rolls, or intimidating them at the polls on Election Day - are just wrong. The fundamental right to vote should be free, fair and accessible for all Americans.

Don't let these tactics discourage you. For every eligible citizen, there is an answer to these orchestrated attacks: voting. Your vote is your voice and your right as a citizen - it matters. Election Day is the one time when we are all equal, when all Americans - whether rich or poor, young or old and regardless of race - have the same say when they walk into that voting booth. It lets you join your friends and family in standing up for solutions to problems in your community and around the nation.

All you have to do is make sure you're properly registered, know the rules, and show up at the correct polling place. You can find easy-to-use tools for confirming all of these things at ProtectOur Vote2012.org, as well as other practical tips for how to cast your ballot.

If your vote is challenged at the polls, there are groups of people dedicated to making sure that you and every American can cast a ballot. Dial 866-OUR-VOTE to immediately connect with lawyers and trained staff, standing by to assist you and help you stand up to election bullies.

Make your voice heard on Nov. 6. The best way to protect your vote is to use it.